muskrat

noun

musk·​rat ˈməsk-ˌrat How to pronounce muskrat (audio)
plural muskrat or muskrats
Synonyms of muskratnext
: an aquatic rodent (Ondatra zibethicus) of the U.S. and Canada with a long scaly laterally compressed tail, webbed hind feet, and dark glossy brown fur
also : its fur or pelt

Illustration of muskrat

Illustration of muskrat

Examples of muskrat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Gassing of the muskrat runs, or burrows, was also tried. — Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 22 June 2026 That includes foxes, minks, muskrats, otters, least weasels and bobcats. — Austin Hornbostel, Nashville Tennessean, 16 Oct. 2025 Now native Spartina grasses have returned, as have muskrats and threatened bird species. — Kyra Morris, The Atlantic, 22 Aug. 2025 But past royal visits to Washington have sometimes gone awry − from amorous muskrats to a talking hat. — Susan Page, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for muskrat

Word History

Etymology

probably by folk etymology from a word of Algonquian origin; akin to Massachusett musquash muskrat

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of muskrat was in 1607

Rhymes for muskrat

See All Rhymes for muskrat

Browse Nearby Words

musk plant
muskrat
muskrat potato
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Cite this Entry

“Muskrat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/muskrat. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

muskrat

noun
musk·​rat ˈməs-ˌkrat How to pronounce muskrat (audio)
plural muskrat or muskrats
: a North American rodent that lives in or near the water, has a long scaly tail and webbed hind feet, and glossy usually dark brown fur
also : its fur or pelt

More from Merriam-Webster on muskrat

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for muskrat

Nglish: Translation of muskrat for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about muskrat

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